Photo By Carter Denton | U.S. Air Force Col. Cisco Harris, the 72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker Air Force Base...... read more read more
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma -- Military and community leaders gathered for the third annual Tinker Air Force Base State of the Base event at Rose State College, highlighting community involvement, shared goals, and plans to improve the base and surrounding community, April 17, 2026.
During the event, U.S. Air Force Col. Melissa Jones, 507th Maintenance Group Commander, spoke on behalf of the 507th Air Refueling Wing, and provided insight to the mission set of the 507th ARW, also known as the “Okies,” and how the wing supports the global reach of the Air Force.
“We provide fuel which allows [aircraft] to travel long distances and operate in theater without having to land,” Jones said. “The KC-135 is a critical enabler of global security.”
The 507th ARW is the largest Air Force Reserve Command flying unit in Oklahoma maintains and operates a total of eight KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft.
Jones also discussed the emphasis the 507th ARW places on developing their personnel in and out of uniform.
“It’s not just about developing their technical proficiency; it’s also about investing in their whole person concept,” Jones said. “If you invest in the member, they’re going to take care of the mission.”
U.S. Air Force Col. Cisco Harris 72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker Air Force Base installation commander, gave opening remarks, thanking the Oklahoma community for their support.
“Whether you’re in uniform, civil service, contractor or family member, you are the heartbeat and strength of our installation,” Harris said. “Thank you for embracing us and our families in your communities as we continue to serve our great nation.”
Harris then elaborated on his priorities for the base.
“The focus is on connecting and strengthening Team Tinker,” he said. “We need to work with our community, our academic institutions and our vo-tech [schools] to make sure that we are bringing on the next generation in order to take care of the world’s most complex issues and challenges that can only be solved right here, in the heart of Oklahoma.”
The panel of speakers for the event included representatives from 72nd Air Base Wing, 448th Supply Chain Management Wing, 552nd Air Control Wing, Strategic Communications Wing 1, 507th Air Refueling Wing, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center and Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex.
Tinker AFB currently serves as the largest employer in the state of Oklahoma, with an economic impact of $8.6 billion, as of the 2025 fiscal year, a 14% increase since FY 2024.
| Date Taken: | 04.23.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 04.28.2026 11:33 |
| Story ID: | 563453 |
| Location: | OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA, US |
| Web Views: | 6 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, The 507th Air Refueling Wing participates in annual Tinker Air Force Base State of the Base Address, by A1C Katriel Coffee, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
